Enjoy the advantages of working remotely without losing your mind and your self-discipline.

Navigating the work-home challenges created by the pandemic still linger for many people.

Spending too much time with the kids and/or significant others can be testy at best. To keep your sanity and stay on task, there must be some ground rules.

Here are 5 tips that should help work-at-home entrepreneurs.

1. Create Your Own Space

Designate a room or a portion of a room as your home office. Let the family know that when you’re working you do not want interruptions (short of emergencies, of course). This will help you to mentally separate work from home when you’re in your own space.

2. Make Sure You Have the Tools for the Job

To work effectively, you must have the right tools, such as a computer, printer, software subscriptions, office supplies, and such. Your home workspace won’t be the same as if you were in an office, but it’s important to get it as close as possible.

If video conferencing platforms are new to you, take time to learn more about them. The pandemic put in-person meetings off the table and showed us that video conferencing could be a productive part of doing business.

3. Look Your Best and Work Better

A morning shower is a great way to start the day. Shed the pajamas and dress in your typical work attire. You can still be comfortable, but a bit of make-up and groomed hair will put you in a better state of mind. While we are well past the old “dress for success” adage, it’s still an advantage to be dressed and ready for the work day ahead.

4. Find a Routine that Works for You

If you’re new to working remotely, it may take some time to discover what schedule works best for you. Something like the following is a good start.

1. Wake up, get dressed, have breakfast
2. Check emails and organize work for the day
3. Work from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
4. Exercise from 11 a.m. – noon, then a light lunch
5. Work from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Personal responsibilities will likely cause you to stray from a strict schedule, but at least you have a structure for your workday. It’s a rewarding feeling to accomplish what’s on your plate for the day.

5. Enjoy Your Added Flexibility

Having more flexibility and freedom can feel odd when you’re more used to rushing around to get to work, do the job, go to meetings, meet deadlines, and rush to get home. Once you establish your ideal routine it will help create some structure. But do embrace the opportunity to loosen the reins on yourself a bit and enjoy the freedom.

Keeping your wits about you can be more easily managed if you remember to carve out some time for yourself to do what you enjoy, whether it’s walking, meditating, hiking, biking, soaking in a hot bath, watching movies, or something else. It’s important to nurture your mind, body, and soul to reduce stress, refresh your mindset and be ready for what’s ahead.

If you discover it’s time to consider a workspace away from home, think about the advantages of a coworking space like VAZATA Workspaces.